Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh/Malerkotla
As part of the Punjab Government’s ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign to eliminate drug abuse from the state, Water Resources and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Thursday chaired a district-level review meeting at the Punjab Urdu Academy in Malerkotla.
The meeting was attended by members of Village Defence Committees (VDCs), block coordinators and officials from the civil and police administration to assess the progress of anti-drug initiatives in the district.
Addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Minister reiterated the Punjab Government’s firm commitment to eradicating the menace of drugs from society. He emphasized that the fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility and called upon VDCs, panchayats, youth, parents and social organizations to actively support the campaign.
Goyal said the government is tackling the drug problem on multiple fronts through the formation of Village Defence Committees, establishment of de-addiction centres and deployment of dedicated anti-drug teams. He added that special focus is being placed on developing sports infrastructure, stadiums and libraries in villages to encourage youth participation in constructive activities.
“A healthy, disciplined and empowered youth is the real foundation of Punjab’s development,” he said.
The Minister also warned that anti-social elements involved in drug trafficking would not be spared and would face strict legal action. He directed police officials to maintain close coordination with VDC members and ensure immediate action on information related to drug trafficking.
Malerkotla MLA Dr. Jameel-Ur-Rehman stressed that public cooperation is crucial for curbing drug abuse and anti-social activities, while Amargarh MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra called for collective efforts from all sections of society to achieve a drug-free Punjab.
Deputy Commissioner Viraj S. Tirke said the district administration is extending full support to Village Defence Committees and has instructed all departments to strengthen anti-drug efforts at the grassroots level.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gurmeet Singh appealed to citizens to report drug trafficking and suspicious activities through the Punjab Government’s anti-drug helpline and WhatsApp chatbot number 97791-00200. He assured the public that the district police would continue taking strict action against drug smugglers and criminal elements.
The meeting was also attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Rajdeep Singh Brar, SDM Malerkotla Kanu Garg, SDM Ahmedgarh Rajesh Kumar, SP Gursharanjit Singh, Assistant Commissioner Mandeep Kaur, DSP Manavjit Singh, Sarpanch Gurmukh Singh, Anti-Drug Front District In-charge Nisar Ahmad, Drug De-addiction Committee Constituency Coordinator Singara Singh, Hajj Committee Chairman Muhammad Hashim, District Council Member Dr. Haripal Singh, Anti-Drug Coordinator Gurpreet Singh Bittu Banbhora, along with a large number of VDC members and officials from various departments.
